Thoughts on Photography and Kayaking

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by Erwin Buck

For kayakers, photography presents a special challenge. There is only so much storage space to take equipment like extra lenses, tripods, etc. And then there is the issue of water- proofing your camera if you plan to have it handy while you’re paddling. Fortunately there are now relatively inexpensive waterproof cameras.As well, there are many waterproof containers for cameras or smart phones which reduce the risk of damaging the camera with that unexpected spray of water from your paddle. I have a Canon D20 Powershot which takes high quality images and HD video. It is always attached to my PDF and I never worry about getting it wet.

So then, how do you great pictures? Luck, technology, and planning.

Luck is being in the right place at the right time and having a camera handy. Which is why I always carry a camera with me, on land and on water, and I make sure it is always handy. Thus, if an unexpected photo-op arises, like a moose standing at the river’s edge, I can capture the moment.

Technology now makes it possible for everyone to be a photographer. In fact, with most cameras it’s almost impossible not to get good pictures. The most popular cameras are the ‘point and click’ variety that can deliver stunning, high resolution images with just the push of the shutter. That’s all well and good for the majority of shots, but what do you do when special situations arise like poor light, fast moving objects, or distracting backgrounds? Cameras can usually address those issues, but the user has to know the various features of the camera rather than just leaving the setting on Auto. I always encourage users to read the manual, experiment with the various options and become familiar with all of them. It will prove to be beneficial. There are three ingredients that influence the quality of your picture 1) Speed of the shutter, 2) Aperture opening, and 3) ISO rating. Your manual will explain each of those and how to manipulate them to your advantage. Once you’ve master the technology side, you can concentrate on the last element of getting a good picture – planning.

In a brief article like this it is impossible to go into a lot
of detail. However there are some basic concepts that you should be aware of:

  1. The best light is always two hours after sunrise, and two hours before sunset. With the sun close to the horizon everything has more depth. Shadows give everything more perspective.
  2. Remember the ‘Rule of Thirds’. Divide your subject into three equal parts horizontally and vertically. Your subject should be placed at the intersection of those lines.
  3. Be aware of the weather forecast. Dramatic skies make for dramatic pictures, especially at sunset.
  4. Know how to turn off your flash. Rely on natural light as much as possible.
  5. Orientation of image – vertical or horizontal? If you’re going to show your stunning images in a slide show, try to keep them all the same orientation. Usually horizontal is the best because it takes up the full screen.
  6. Don’t always assume that the best angle of a shot is taken at eye level. Get on your knees, climb a rock.
  7. Georgian Bay shots can be particularly challenging because there is endless water and rocks or indistinguishable shoreline. Sometimes, it is better to focus in on something, like a flower growing out of a crevice, than an all inclusive shot.
  8. Shoot often, and always carry spare memory cards.
  9. Lastly, when you assemble your pictures into a slide show or an album, be ruthless in your editing. You will quickly lose your audience’s interest by showing endless variations of the same scenes. My motto is simply ‘less is more’.

This article is based on the workshop Erwin gave at the GLSKA AGM in October.

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GLSKA Waiver

RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS, ASSUMPTION OF RISKS AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT (hereinafter the "Release Agreement") BY ACCEPTING THIS DOCUMENT YOU WILL WAIVE OR GIVE UP CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO SUE FOR NEGLIGENCE OR BREACH OF CONTRACT OR TO CLAIM COMPENSATION FOLLOWING AN ACCIDENT

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!

DEFINITION

In this Release Agreement, the term Sea Kayaking Activities shall include but is not limited to: all activities, events or services provided, arranged, organized, conducted, sponsored or authorized by the Releasees and shall including moving water, still water, lake and ocean kayaking; loan or rental of kayaks (hereinafter "the boats") and other equipment; orientational and instructional courses, seminars and sessions; all travel, transportation, and accommodation; food, beverage including water supply, use of equipment, and multi-day camping or overnight stays in the outdoors.

In this Release Agreement, the term "Negligence" includes the failure by the Releasees to use such care as a reasonably prudent and careful guide, instructor, trip organizer or sea kayaking operator would use under similar circumstances, or breach of any other duty of care imposed by law.

ASSUMPTION OF RISKS

Participation in Sea Kayaking Activities involves various risks, dangers and hazards including the risk of serious injury, paralysis or death. Sea Kayaking Activities often take place in remote wilderness locations, where assistance, medical and first aid services and evacuation may not be readily available, and communication may be difficult or not possible. The risks, dangers and hazards that may be encountered include, but are not limited to: accidents which occur during transportation or travel to and from the departure point; slips and falls while getting into or out of the boats; overturning of the boats; loss of balance; impact or collision with objects; cold water immersion; repetitive strain injuries; dislocated shoulders; hypothermia; drowning; changing and inclement weather conditions including storms, high wind, high waves, and lightning; encounters with domestic or wild animals; infectious disease contracted through viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi which may be transmitted through direct or indirect contact; negligence on the part of other participants; and NEGLIGENCE ON THE PART THE RELEASEES. I UNDERSTAND THAT NEGLIGENCE INCLUDES FAILURE ON THE PART OF THE RELEASEES TO TAKE REASONABLE STEPS TO SAFEGUARD OR PROTECT ME FROM OR WARN ME OF THE RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS OF PARTICIPATING IN SEA KAYAKING ACTIVITIES.

Please refer to the GLSKA Risk Management Strategy section of their website for further information regarding the risks, dangers and hazards that may be encountered during Sea Kayaking Activities.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS, ASSUMPTION OF RISKS AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT (hereinafter the "Release Agreement") BY ACCEPTING THIS DOCUMENT YOU WILL WAIVE OR GIVE UP CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS, INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO SUE FOR NEGLIGENCE OR BREACH OF CONTRACT OR TO CLAIM COMPENSATION FOLLOWING AN ACCIDENT

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY!

I AM AWARE OF THE RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH PARTICIPATING IN SEA KAYAKING ACTIVITIES AND I FREELY ACCEPT AND FULLY ASSUME ALL SUCH RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS AND THE POSSIBILITY OF PERSONAL INJURY, DEATH, PROPERTY DAMAGE OR LOSS RESULTING THEREFROM.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT

In consideration of the Releasees allowing me to participate in Sea Kayaking Activities as defined in this Release Agreement, I hereby agree as follows:

  1. TO WAIVE ANY AND ALL CLAIMS that I have or may in the future have against the Releasees and TO RELEASE THE RELEASEES from any and all liability for any loss, damage, expenseor injury including death that I may suffer, or that my next of kin may suffer as a result of my participation in Sea Kayaking Activities, DUE TO ANY CAUSE WHATSOEVER, INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE, BREACH OF CONTRACT, OR BREACH OF ANY STATUTORY OR OTHER DUTY OF CARE ON THE PART OF THE RELEASEES. I UNDERSTAND THAT NEGLIGENCE INCLUDES FAILURE ON THE PART OF THE RELEASEES TO TAKE REASONABLE STEPS TO SAFEGUARD OR PROTECT ME FROM OR WARN ME OF THE RISKS, DANGERS AND HAZARDS OF PARTICIPATING IN SEA KAYAKING ACTIVITIES REFERRED TO ABOVE;
  1. TO HOLD HARMLESS AND INDEMNIFY THE RELEASEES from any and all liability for any property damage or personal injury to any third party resulting from my participation in Sea Kayaking Activities;
  2. This Release Agreement shall be effective and binding upon my heirs, next of kin, executors, administrators, assigns and representatives, in the event of my death or incapacity;
  3. This Release Agreement and any rights, duties and obligations as between the parties to this Release Agreement shall be governed by and interpreted solely in accordance with the laws of the Province of Ontario and no other jurisdiction; and
  4. Any litigation involving the parties to this Release Agreement shall be brought solely within the Province of Ontario and shall be within the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Ontario.

In entering into this Release Agreement I am not relying on any oral or written representations or statements made by the Releasees with respect to the safety of Sea Kayaking Activities, other than what is set forth in this Release Agreement.

I CONFIRM THAT I HAVE READ THIS RELEASE AGREEMENT, AND I AM AWARE THAT BY ACCEPTING THIS RELEASE AGREEMENT I AM WAIVING CERTAIN LEGAL RIGHTS WHICH I OR MY HEIRS, NEXT OF KIN, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, ASSIGNS AND REPRESENTATIVES MAY HAVE AGAINST THE RELEASEES.